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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> How do you know if out of cycle? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1217445237 Message started by TRG on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 3:13pm

Title: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by TRG on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 3:13pm

Just wondering, my husband started getting ch's end of May. Been on topamax/verapamil since. After two weeks of starting meds. ch's quit, just shadows. Neuro tried lowering verapamil, two weeks later had a headache so she put him back on original dose. Its been 3 weeks now w/no headache. Thinking about calling to see if she wants him to try to lower verapamil again. If she lowers it and he doesn't get a ch, does that mean he's out of the cycle? Don't really understand when you know your out - do you have to get off the meds to see if you have a ch? First time at this, need help!

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by Jean on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 3:32pm

Hi there!

I had the same trouble while trying to lower the Verap. I ended up staying on at full dosage for a full month WITHOUT shadows. Only then could I wean off of it. Of course, calling the Doc is never a bad idea.

Good Luck!

Jeannie

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by mezza on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 4:26pm

Pretty much the same as Jeannie said for me. I stay on for several weeks after my last hit and taper off slowly - about a 3-4 week taper.

Good luck- glad he's pf

Kelly

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by jon019 on Jul 30^th, 2008 at 9:37pm

Beer test...

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by TRG on Jul 31^st, 2008 at 8:19am

Beer does not seem to trigger the headaches. My husband has cut down quite a bit on his drinking, but seems to have never triggered the ch's.

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by sandie99 on Aug 1^st, 2008 at 3:26am

It's been a while since my verap taper, but I recall that it was done very slowly indeed and lasted (if my memory doesn't fail me) about a month.

I consider my cycle to be over after I've been complitely PF (I count shadows, too!) for a month.

PF wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: How do you know if out of cycle?
Post by chewbaccamonkey on Aug 8^th, 2008 at 4:30pm

I know I'm out when headache free AFTER the pred taper for 10 days. I do the taper starting with 100 mg per day until no headaches for three days then 80, 60, 40, 20 etc.. That gives the verapamil time to kick in. Days 8-10 are pretty stressful! :D